Washington: Top U.S. oil and corn industry lobby groups announced on Tuesday that they are suing President Joe Biden’s administration over its initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, arguing that the regulations will inflict economic harm.
Earlier this spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized new rules for upcoming models of semi-trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles scheduled for release from 2027 to 2032. The aim is to cut 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2055, with heavy-duty vehicles currently accounting for approximately 7% of national emissions according to EPA data. These standards are a cornerstone of Biden’s broader strategy to combat climate change.
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“The EPA is forcing a switch to technology that simply does not presently exist for these kinds of vehicles – and even if it were someday possible, it will almost certainly have consequences for your average American,” stated Ryan Meyers, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the American Petroleum Institute (API).
API, the primary U.S. oil and gas lobbying group which includes Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) among its members, is leading the legal challenge.
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Joining the lawsuit are the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. They argue for alternative climate change mitigation approaches such as biofuels over a singular focus on electric vehicles.
“EPA has tried to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing climate change by prioritizing electric vehicles over other climate remedies like corn ethanol,” remarked Harold Wolle, President of the National Corn Growers Association.
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The EPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
Earlier this month, API filed a separate federal lawsuit aimed at halting the Biden administration’s emissions reduction efforts for cars and light trucks. These regulations foresee electric vehicles comprising up to 56% of all car sales between 2030 and 2032.
